With four draft picks to this disposal in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors had plenty of options and decisions to make prior to the start of the draft. Instead of trading up or down, the Warriors did not move any of their picks and now have four new players to consider for the coming season. With several key needs to target, Golden State did a fine job of selecting players that can help them next year.
No. 7: SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
One of the key targets for the team in the lottery, the Warriors' top three choices were Barnes, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Dion Waiters according to Marcus Thompson. A sophomore out of North Carolina, Barnes was under plenty of scrutiny in college but is one of the more pro-ready players in the draft thanks to his ability to score. Drawing comparisons to Rudy Gay and expected to be a better pro than college player, this small forward fit a need and fell down to the Warriors after speculations of possibly being selected as high as No. 2 to the Charlotte Bobcats.
Grade: A
No. 30: C Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt
Although not possessing the "wow" factor of other available wing players such as Baylor's Quincy Miller and Kentucky's Doron Lamb, Ezeli gives the Warriors a rugged big man who will rebound the ball, protect the paint, and serve as a serviceable big man behind the hopefully-healthy Andrew Bogut. A huge favorite of Jerry West, fans can only hope that he made a good suggestion for a player that fills a need but is raw offensively and may have to challenge for playing time.
Grade: B-
No. 35: F Draymond Green, Michigan State
A productive "tweener" forward who can contribute everywhere, Green is a great steal for the Warriors. Expected to go as high as the early 20s in the first round, he has the work ethic and intangibles necessary for success despite his lack of size. Green will be a NBA-ready role player who could contribute right away as needed for the Warriors next season.
Grade: A
No. 52: F Ognjen Kuzmic, Bosnia
A "draft and stash" seven-footer playing in Spain's second-tier league, Kuzmic will not even be considered to join the NBA for at least a couple more seasons. Given the lack of roster spots on the team, drafting an international player late in the second round was a nice gamble that could pay off down the line.
Grade: B
Source:
@gswscribe, Twitter.com
More from this contributor:
Fan's Take: Who Should the Golden State Warriors Select with the No. 7 Pick?
Why Golden State Warriors to San Francisco in 2017 is a Good Move: Fan's Take
Golden State Warriors Face Los Angeles Lakers Without Kobe Bryant: Fan's Preview
Fan's Preview: Do Short-Handed Warriors Have Chance Against Spurs?
Austin is a lifelong resident of the Bay Area, lifelong basketball fan and Golden State Warriors supporter, and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow this contributor on Twitter @_austinchang.
